Energy

Image: GRID Alternatives

Supplying reliable and sustainable energy to the state’s economy requires planning and policies underpinned by a commitment to utilization of the best available science. To this end, California’s energy infrastructure must be designed to cope with the state’s highly variable conditions and frequent disruptions from wildfires, storms, and floods, which will be exacerbated by more frequent and intense natural disasters brought by a changing climate. The impacts of climate change have potential to be drastic for the energy sector. For instance, changes in temperatures, precipitation patterns, extreme events, and sea-level rise have the potential to decrease the efficiency of thermal power plants and substations, decrease the capacity of transmission lines, render hydropower less reliable, spur an increase in electricity demand, and put energy infrastructure at risk of flooding.[1]

To address resilience of the energy sector, local jurisdictions must work with utilities and regulators. At the state level, the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) are working to address the effects of climate disruption on the energy sector. Priorities for the energy sector include actionable research, working with vulnerable communities, and continuing to invest in renewable energy, renewable distributed generation, energy efficiency, and building retrofits. All of these efforts can bolster and incorporate climate adaptation, limiting climate impacts while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A priority should be on improving energy sector resilience for vulnerable communities, as these communities will suffer disproportionately from the impacts of climate change.[2] Another important piece is for investor-owned utilities and other energy infrastructure owners to develop robust vulnerability assessments and resilience plans, incorporating the risks from a standardized set of climate scenarios.[3]
Local governments can partner with utilities in these areas, to provide energy security, reduce energy demand, and improve system reliability.

Zakiyyah Willis. 2018

Climate Story

This climate story is one of a series that aims to share authentic experiences of Californians as they deal with a changing climate. In this story, Zakiyyah Willis why she has made changes in her energy/water consumption, purchasing … habits, and volunteer work to be more environmentally friendly.

Jennifer Smith. 2018

Climate Story

This climate story is one of a series that aims to share authentic experiences of Californians as they deal with a changing climate. In this story, Jennifer Smith describes how she is working with her local representatives to build … political will and positive momentum on climate change action.

Paige DeCino. 2018

Climate Story

This climate story is one of a series that aims to share authentic experiences of Californians as they deal with a changing climate. In this story, Paige DeCino describes why she took local action at her city council to join a regional Community Choice Energy group.

Elissa Lynn. 2018

DroughtExtreme stormsFloodingTemperature

Climate Story

This climate story is one of a series that aims to share authentic experiences of Californians as they deal with a changing climate. In this story, Elissa Lynn shares how she is creating a model for other state agencies to prepare for the changing hydrologic conditions.

Dennis Eckhart. 2018

DroughtTemperature

Climate Story

This climate story is one of a series that aims to share authentic experiences of Californians as they deal with a changing climate. In this story, Dennis Eckhart describes how he and his wife Terese have made changes to their home … and lifestyle to be more environmentally friendly and to combat climate change.

Eileen Mitro. 2018

Climate Story

This climate story is one of a series that aims to share authentic experiences of Californians as they deal with a changing climate. In this story, Eileen Mitro shares why her and other citizens of Ukiah have formed a Climate Action … Group and what they are doing in their community to promote awareness and responsibility for human carbon emissions.

Governor's Office of Planning and Research. 2018

Climate Story

Have you changed something you are doing because of climate change? Are you involved in any activities that will help your family or community adapt to change? Have you made changes to your commute, diet, residence, landscaping/land-management … practices, purchasing/consumption habits, work, or how you volunteer? Tell us your story! UC California Naturalist is working with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research to help share the diversity of people, places, and issues that make climate stories inherently unique and at the same time universal.